Corporate Campus Security – best practices to keep employees and assets protected

From access control to emergency preparedness plans, we’ve got you covered with corporate campus security best practices

Introduction

Corporate campuses often encompass a combination of multiple buildings, parking lots, and outdoor areas for employees to enjoy. The vast landscape of access control points and potential security risks found at just about any corporate campus demands a comprehensive physical security plan to keep employees and assets safe. This blog article examines best practices when designing perimeter security for corporate campuses and how you can implement for success.

Your first line of defense: security barriers

The first line of defense for corporate campuses is perimeter security. Designed to deter and deny unauthorized access, perimeter security solutions combine a variety of physical barriers, access control systems, and intrusion detection to protect sites from and the security risks that come with them. Depending on the unique needs of your corporate campus, it’s not uncommon to see multiple types of physical barriers being leveraged in any perimeter.

IronSite Wedge Barrier

Crash-rated barriers offer to the most in terms of stopping power, and consist of bollards, wedge barriers, cable barriers, rising beams, and fencing solutions.

Bollards are short, sturdy posts placed at vulnerable areas and are designed to prevent vehicular attacks. They have various crash ratings and come in many forms and sizes. They can be fixed, removable or retractable; and come with shallow-mount and lighted options – making them some of the most customizable security barriers on the market.

Security fences are another great option to deterring unauthorized access. Anti-cut and anti-climbing fences are ideal choices for corporate campuses, and crash-rated options are always available for maximum protection.

The real perimeter security MVP: Access Control

Access control is the process of regulating entry and exit to various areas across a site, in this case a corporate campus. It’s essential to preventing unauthorized access into buildings, offices, parking lots, and other sensitive areas; without effective access control, security barrier effectiveness suffers drastically. Different access control measures include:

IronSite Bi-Folding Automatic Gate

• Keycard access: these should be issued to employees who need verification before accessing certain areas. They can also be used to monitor employee movements throughout the facility. More advanced solutions that leverage biometric authentication or smart lock technology are also a viable option.

• Visitor Management: visitors should be issued temporary passes with limited access and required to check in at designated entrances and escorted

• Pedestrian Gates: these helps prevent criminal activity and unauthorized access of foot traffic to specific areas of the campus

• Traffic Arms: acting as a physical barrier that prevents vehicles from entering the campus, these control the flow of traffic to combat congestion and improve overall efficiency of parking lot security.

• Automatic Gates: these act as a deterrent to potential intruders and are especially beneficial to loading areas and less active entrance points. Automated gates can be operated remotely to allow authorized individuals to enter or exit campuses without having to get out of their vehicles.

• Optical Turnstiles: these provide secure entry by only allowing one person to pass through at a time. They can be configured to detect and alert security personnel of attempted breaches and can be integrated with other access control systems such as cameras and alarm systems.

Monitor and deter threats with effective intrusion detection

Another critical aspect to perimeter security is intrusion detection. This security feature consists of high-definition cameras and the latest alarm systems that are used to identify potential security threats and detect suspicious activity.

IronSite 360° Panoramic Camera

When it comes to security cameras, they should be strategically placed throughout the corporate campus to monitor activity in parking lots, entry and exit points, and other areas of importance. Working with a security designer can ensure you have no blind spots. There are different types of security cameras that can be used, each with their own unique functionality:

• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera

• Bullet Camera

• Dome Camera

• Box Camera

• Thermal Camera

• Panoramic Camera

  
  

Installing an integrated alarm system is another great way to boost security. Whether you go with a wired or wireless system, advanced alarm systems that combine smart detection, instant alerts, and remote access functionality provide real-time monitoring and rapid response to keep areas of your corporate campus extra secure.

Emergency Preparedness Plans

Unfortunately, no amount of planning can 100% prevent security breaches – there’s always a chance an emergency can still occur. By having an emergency preparedness plan in effect, corporate offices can reduce the potential damage caused by a breach. The key to an effective plan is developing a response for specific scenarios. Some of the most common security breaches or emergencies are:

• Natural Disasters: in areas where natural disasters are more likely to happen, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, emergency plans should include evacuation protocols for employees and specific steps to secure assets

• Fires: Fire safety protocols, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits should be standard in any emergency preparedness plan

• Active Shooter situations: employees should be trained on how to respond to an active shooter and where designated safe areas are for people to take shelter

Last but not least: preventative maintenance

Vendor Certified Technicians

Having a proper preventative maintenance plan for your perimeter security setup is essential for ensuring security systems are functioning properly. By conducting regular preventative maintenance, the longevity and dependability of various security systems stays strong, reducing the threat of a security breach.

It’s common practice for corporate campuses to work with a professional security company, like IronSite, for all maintenance needs, ensuring swift and efficient support without disturbing the daily workflow of internal teams.

Conclusion

Physical security for corporate campuses is essential for keeping employees, assets, and intellectual property protected. By implementing a well thought out security plan that utilizes security barriers, access control, surveillance, and emergency preparedness, you’re ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees while keeping security threats at a distance.

IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.

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Media Contact

Terin Pickett

IronSite

1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101

Corona, CA 92879

info@ironsite.com